Chest pain is one of the most anxiety-provoking symptoms a person can experience. While most causes are not life-threatening, some require immediate emergency care.
Call 10111 immediately if you have:
- Crushing, squeezing, or pressure-like chest pain
- Pain spreading to your left arm, jaw, neck, or back
- Sudden shortness of breath with chest discomfort
- Sweating, nausea, or light-headedness with chest pain
- Any chest pain lasting more than 15 minutes
Less urgent causes of chest pain include:
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Muscle strain from exercise or coughing
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Costochondritis (inflammation of the rib cartilage)
When in doubt, err on the side of caution. It is always better to be seen and reassured than to wait at home with a potentially serious condition.